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Key Points

Maharashtra's OBC leaders are mounting intense pressure on the state government over reservation policies. Vijay Wadettiwar led a massive protest in Nagpur, warning of potential city blockades if their demands aren't met. The core issue centers on Kunbi certificates being issued to Maratha community members, which OBC leaders claim threatens their reservation quota. The political standoff highlights complex caste dynamics in Maharashtra's intricate reservation landscape.

Key Points: OBC Leaders Threaten Mumbai Blockade Over Maratha Quota

  • OBC leaders demand cancellation of September 2 government resolution
  • Threatening to block Mumbai, Pune, and Thane
  • Claim Maratha quota encroaches on OBC reservations
  • Seeking 42% reservation similar to Telangana model
3 min read

Will block Mumbai if govt does not listen to our demands: OBCs

Maharashtra OBC fronts warn massive protest if government doesn't cancel Kunbi certificate resolution affecting OBC reservations

"If the government's DNA is that of OBCs, then it should cancel the decision of September 2 - Vijay Wadettiwar"

Nagpur, Oct 10

Various OBC fronts on Friday warned that they will block Mumbai, Thane and Pune if the state government does not listen to their demands, including the cancellation of a government resolution of September 2 to provide Kunbi certificates to Maratha community members.

They also dared the BJP-led MahaYuti government to provide 42 per cent reservation to OBCs in Maharashtra on the lines of Telangana.

"The OBC community in the state has been strongly disturbed by the government decision taken by the MahaYuti government on September 2. The government should cancel it immediately. The Mahamorcha in Nagpur is just a beginning, and if the government ignores OBCs, then we will block not only Mumbai but also Pune and Thane," said Congress Legislature Party leader and one of the key organisers of Friday's morcha, Vijay Wadettiwar, in his speech.

Wadettiwar claimed that after the release of the government resolution of September 2, thousands of Kunbi certificates were being distributed to Marathas every day in Marathwada.

"Due to this, OBC youth are resorting to committing suicide. Has the MahaYuti government come to power only on the trust of Manoj Jarange (a pro-Maratha reservation activist)?" he asked.

He added that the government has forgotten that 374 castes among OBCs have voted for this government.

"Injustice is being done to OBCs. OBCs are the big losers and therefore the government should withdraw its decision in a serious bid to protect the OBC reservation and the interests of the community," he said.

"If the government's DNA is that of OBCs, then it should cancel the decision of September 2 and prove its DNA. Now the Maratha community is entering the OBC community quota. While Maratha community members are well placed, the OBC community members remain malnourished. How will the OBCs survive in front of them? That is why this is a battle for the survival of the OBCs," said Vadettiwar.

Wadettiwar said even though the government is claiming that OBC reservation will not be affected but there is an encroachment in the OBC quota.

"If the government has the strength, 42 per cent reservation should be given to OBCs like the Telangana government has given," he reiterated.

Wadettiwar also clarified that OBCs are not against the Maratha community, saying that they should be separately provided quota.

He said that they are opposed to giving the reservation to Marathas from the OBC quota.

The Lok Sabha members from Vidarbha, Prashant Padole, Pratibha Dhanorkar and Shyamkumar Barve, former ministers Anil Deshmukh (NCP SP), Sunil Kedar, Manikrao Thackeray (Congress), Mahadev Jankar (Rashtriya Samaj Paksh), OBC leaders Laxman Hake and Navnath Waghmare, were among others who took part in the morcha.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an OBC student, I understand the frustration. We've worked so hard within the existing quota system, and now it feels like our opportunities are being diluted. The government needs to address this properly.
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Arjun K
Why can't the government create separate reservation for Marathas instead of encroaching on OBC quota? This is basic justice. Every community deserves representation but not at the cost of others. 👍
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Sarah B
I'm concerned about the mention of youth suicides. This is heartbreaking. The government must take immediate steps to prevent such tragedies. Mental health support is crucial during these tense times.
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Vikram M
The 42% demand seems reasonable when you look at Telangana model. OBCs form the backbone of Maharashtra's economy and deserve proper representation. Government should consider this seriously.
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Michael C
While I understand the concerns, threatening to block major cities affects everyone's livelihood. There must be better ways to protest that don't punish ordinary citizens going about their daily lives.
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Ananya R
This is exactly why we need a comprehensive review of the reservation policy. The current system creates conflicts between communities. Long-term solution needed, not temporary fixes! 💭

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